Pull Apart Garlic Bread

Short, Catchy Intro

So you are craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen huh? Same. That is where pull apart garlic bread slides in like the hero it is. Soft, pillowy dough, buttery garlic goodness, and tiny bites you can rip off with zero knife drama. If you like bread and you like garlic you are in the right place.

Pssst want an air fryer twist later on? Check out this handy guide to air fryer garlic bread while you wait for your dough to rise: Air Fryer Garlic Bread.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

• It looks fancy but does not act like it. Guests will think you slaved for hours. You will smile and nod and say something vague like I made it from scratch.
• It is essentially a party for your mouth. Pull, dip, repeat. No plates. No utensils. Maximum fun.
• It is forgiving. Dough that is slightly sticky or a little dense still becomes delicious after a good rise and bake.
• You get garlic, butter, and optional Parmesan in every bite. What more do you want honestly.
• Perfect side for pasta, soup, or to eat straight off the pan while pretending you are portion controlled.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1/2 cup warm water, because yeast likes warm baths
• 1 tablespoon white sugar, for yeast bribery
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast, the little life generator
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter softened, for dough tenderness
• 1/2 cup milk, lukewarm is fine
• 1 teaspoon salt, because flavor matters
• 2 1/2 cups bread flour, or plain flour if you must
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted, for the garlic bath
• 1 pinch salt, for the butter mixture
• some fresh parsley leaves finely chopped, for a fresh pop
• 3 cloves garlic finely minced, bring the aroma
• 1 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese optional, but why not

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add warm water to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Sprinkle sugar and yeast into the water and let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy. This proves the yeast is alive and ready to party.
2. Mix in the butter milk and salt. Stir in the flour gradually. Keep the action steady and confident.
3. Knead for 7 to 10 minutes. The dough should stick to the bottom of the bowl but clear the sides. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons or more water if the dough is too dense.
4. Divide the dough into 2 equal portions. Be decisive.
5. In a small bowl combine the unsalted butter salt parsley leaves garlic and grated Parmesan cheese if using. This is your flavor bath.
6. Cut the dough into small round pieces and dip them into the butter mixture. Get them well coated but not drowning.
7. Arrange the dough balls in two mini loaf pans or one regular loaf pan. Pack them snug but give them room to expand.
8. Cover and let rise until doubled about 1 hour. Go sip coffee read a quick article or do a TikTok scroll. The dough will grow.
9. Reserve the leftover butter mixture. You will thank me later.
10. Bake at 350°F (176°C) for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Watch the color because browning equals success.
11. Baste the butter mixture onto the pull apart garlic bread after it comes out of the oven. This is where the shine happens and where you lose all willpower.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Thinking you do not need to preheat the oven rookie mistake. Preheat it. Your oven is not skipping leg day.
• Using cold water for the yeast. Yeast hates cold showers. Give it warm water and a minute to foam.
• Overcrowding the pan. If the dough balls touch too tightly they might fuse into a loaf that is hard to pull apart. Loose is good.
• Skimping on garlic. Why are you skimping. Add the garlic.
• Forgetting to reserve some butter mixture. You want extra for finishing. Don t be that person who runs out.
• Not checking the dough consistency. Dough should stick to the bottom but clear the sides. If it clings to everything it needs more water.
• Opening the oven too often during baking. Curiosity killed the crust. Peek once near the end.

Alternatives & Substitutions

• No bread flour Try all purpose flour. You will lose a tiny bit of chew but the bread will still be very good. IMO bread flour gives better texture but swap freely.
• No fresh parsley Use dried parsley or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning in a pinch. Fresh is nicer though.
• Hate Parmesan Leave it out or swap for shredded mozzarella for extra gooeyness. Parmesan adds a subtle umami kick but not mandatory.
• Want herb extra flavor Add a pinch of thyme or rosemary into the butter mix. Rosemary goes especially well if you are feeling fancy.
• Short on time Use store bought dough or pre made biscuits and dip them in the butter mixture. Not as artisan but still delicious and quick.
• Want a twist Try stuffing small bits of cheese inside each dough ball for cheesy pull apart bread. Dangerous but awesome.

Looking for a cheesy spin that pairs well with veggies Try this Cheddar Garlic Zucchini Bread for inspiration: Cheddar Garlic Zucchini Bread.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Can I use margarine instead of butter Well technically yes but why hurt your soul like that Choose butter for taste.
• Can I make the dough by hand Yes knead on a floured surface for about 10 to 12 minutes until smooth and elastic Your arm will get a workout.
• Can I double the recipe Yes double it If you want to be popular at parties double it twice.
• What if my dough does not rise Did you use active yeast and warm enough water? Try placing the covered dough in a slightly warm oven or near a warm spot It helps. Also check yeast date.
• Can I freeze the unbaked dough Absolutely Freeze the assembled pan wrapped tightly Thaw in the fridge overnight then let rise before baking
• How do I reheat leftovers Bake at 300°F (149°C) for about 10 minutes covered with foil until warmed through Or microwave briefly but you lose crispness
• Is this recipe kid friendly Yes kids can help roll and dip the dough balls and the results are usually gobbled up fast

Final Thoughts

Pull apart garlic bread is the kind of cozy magic that turns plain weeknights into mini celebrations. It looks like work but feels like a cheat code. Remember to reserve some of that butter mixture for basting after baking because that final step is what separates good from unforgettable. Be confident with the dough be generous with the garlic and do not judge yourself for eating half the loaf while it is still warm. FYI if you make this for friends expect compliments and requests for the recipe.

Now go impress someone or yourself with your new culinary skills You earned it

Conclusion

Want more pull apart inspiration and variations Check these excellent recipes for ideas and tweaks

• Easy Pull Apart Garlic Bread – Rasa Malaysia provides a flavorful take and helpful photos: Easy Pull Apart Garlic Bread – Rasa Malaysia
• Pull Apart Garlic Bread – Homemade Garlic bread perfect party food offers a fun party friendly version: Pull Apart Garlic Bread – Homemade Garlic bread perfect party food
• Best Pull-Apart Garlic Bread Recipe – How to Make Pull-Apart Garlic from The Pioneer Woman gives an indulgent approach: Best Pull-Apart Garlic Bread Recipe – How to Make Pull-Apart Garlic …
• Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread – Sally s Baking adds a fragrant herbal twist if you want rosemary vibes: Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread – Sally s Baking

Enjoy and happy baking

Pull Apart Garlic Bread

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Soft, pillowy garlic bread that you can pull apart and dip, making it the perfect easy side for any meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup lukewarm milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 cups bread flour
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 pinch salt
• Fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Add warm water to a bowl. Sprinkle sugar and yeast; let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix in butter, milk, and salt. Stir in flour gradually.
3. Knead for 7-10 minutes until dough sticks to the bottom of the bowl.
4. Divide the dough into 2 equal portions.
5. In a small bowl, combine unsalted butter, salt, parsley, garlic, and Parmesan.
6. Cut dough into small pieces, dip into the butter mixture, and arrange in pans.
7. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
8. Reserve leftover butter mixture.
9. Bake at 350°F (176°C) for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
10. Baste with reserved butter mixture after baking.

Notes

Make sure to reserve some of the butter mixture for the final basting after baking. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the pieces easy to pull apart.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: garlic bread, pull apart bread, easy bread recipe, side dish